Low shadow radiolucent surgical table, clamp systems, and accessories therefore

ABSTRACT

A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to radiolucent surgical tables and, moreparticularly, to a radiolucent surgical table with a low radiographicshadow edge profile, a plurality of clamp systems for connection ontothe edge profile, and a set of surgical accessories integrated with theclamps.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional surgical tables include a flat patient support and a lowerbase for holding the patient support a predetermined distance from thefloor. The base of conventional surgical tables commonly includescontrol apparatus for tilting the flat patient support through a rangeof orientations to facilitate performance of certain surgicalprocedures. Typical flat patient supports are made of surgical stainlesssteel and in most cases include a set of metal side rails supportedalong the edges of the table for holding surgical accessories,instrumentation, and the like. Typically, the side rails conform to anindustry standard cross sectional size and configuration so thatsurgical accessories from any vendor source can be directly connected tosurgical tables built by another vendor without modification of theattachment interface.

One disadvantage of stainless steel table tops of the type describedabove is that they block x-rays. Accordingly, their use in surgical orinterventional procedures that require x-rays, fluoroscopic or otherpatient images to be taken are quite limited.

As a result, patient support tables have been proposed that utilize anx-ray translucent material, such as phenolic resins, in selectedportions of the table top. The x-ray translucent material allowsinteroperative x-ray image signals to be generated using fluoroscopicdevices, C-arm or CT scanners and other imaging equipment.

One such example of a prior art radiolucent table is shown at FIG. 1. Asillustrated in cross section, the flat patient support 10 includes asubstantially planar table top member 12 formed of a x-ray translucentmaterial such as, for example, a carbon fiber material or a phenolicresin such as sold under the trade name SPAULDITE. Due mainly to loadcarrying capacity limitations and to enhance stiffness, the table top 12is supported on either side by a pair of longitudinally extending metalframe members 14, 16. Each of the metal frame members 14, 16 areattached to the bottom surface of the table top member 12 using asuitable cement such as an epoxy, fasteners, or the like. A pair of siderail members 18, 20 are held in a fixed relationship relative to themetal frame members 14, 16 as illustrated. The side rail members 18, 20have a size and shape that conform to the industry-wide standards notedabove.

One disadvantage of the flat patient support 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 isthat the metal frame members 14, 16 as well as the side rail members 18,20 generate shadows when the patient support 10 is used in radiographicimaging procedures. As a result, only the portion of the radiopaquetable top member 12 that is disposed between the pair of metal framemembers 14, 16 is usable for radiographic imaging. This limitationbecomes more pronounced when the table is tilted relative to the x-raygenerator. The angle of the table relative to the x-ray sourceeffectively shortens the distance between the metal side frame members14, 16 as viewed from the x-ray source thus reducing the shadow-freeareas in the radiographic image.

FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art surgical table configuration thatis somewhat useful in radiographic imaging and in certain interventionalprocedures. As shown there, a predominant feature of the flat patientsupport 22 is a relatively thick slab 24 of radiographic material havinga generally rectangular cross section. The slab 24 is provided onopposite transverse edges 26, 28 with a substantially square accessoryinterface profile 30, 32 as shown. Each of the accessory interfaceprofiles 30, 32 are sized and shaped to receive a pair of accessorycoupler members 34, 36 on the opposite transverse edges 26, 28 of theradiopaque slab 24. In turn, each coupler member 34, 36 carries anindustry standard side rail member 18, 20 of the type described above.In that way, most commercially available accessories can be used withthe table.

One drawback to the “slab” type radiolucent surgical tables shown inFIG. 2 is that the accessory coupler members 34, 36 are typically formedof metal and therefore obstruct x-ray signal propagation throughportions of the table along the table edges. As a result, undesirableshadows are formed in the radiographic image.

Simple removal of the accessory coupler members 34 or 36 does notcompletely-solve the shadow problem. The vertical surfaces along thesquare edges of the accessory interface profiles 30, 32 lead to shadowsin radiographic images. The shadows are caused because, during normaluse of the table, the vertical edges of the profile are typicallyaligned in a substantially parallel relationship with x-ray signalpropagation. As a result, the edge surfaces tend to attenuate the x-raysignal to a substantial degree greater than the flat horizontal surfacesand, accordingly, the vertical edge surfaces generate shadows in theradiographic image.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a radiolucent surgical table thatpresents a substantially uniform attenuation characteristic to x-raysignals in both the lateral and transverse directions and with the tableheld flat or tilted relative to the x-ray signal source. In that way,the radiographic images of a patient disposed on such surgical tablewould be free and clear of extraneous shadows.

Copending application Ser. No. 09/804,287 filed on Mar. 12, 2001 andassigned to the assignee of the instant application provides such atable. In addition to being substantially x-ray shadow free overall, asurgical accessory interface profile is provided so that a wide range ofsurgical accessories can be easily and directly connected anywhere alongthe edge of the table top. The accessory interface profile presents asubstantially uniform attenuation characteristic to x-rays passingthrough the table top and table top edges regardless of the angle of thetable top relative to the x-ray source.

There is a need, therefore, for providing a set of clamp apparatus forconnecting a plurality of medical accessories onto the interface profileof the radiolucent table. Preferably the clamp modalities are selectedbased on intended use with specific medical accessories and, in thatway, the clamps provide the desired support for the medical accessorieswith which they are paired for ease of use, reduction in cost and tominimize size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, therefore, a shadow freeradiolucent patient support table is provided including substantiallyplanar top and bottom surfaces held apart in an opposed relationship.The radiolucent patient support table is preferably formed of an outerlayer of carbon fibers surrounding an inner foam core. The outerlongitudinal edges of the support table define a substantiallycontinuous medical appliance support interface for selectivelyconnecting a plurality of associated medical appliances to the table.The medical appliance support interface generally comprises a non-planarfirst connection area defined on the top surface of the surgical tableand a second connection area defined on the side of the table top. Thenon-planar first connection area is shaped to provide first and secondstatic supporting forces against an associated medical appliance, whenconnected to the table, in directions substantially parallel to andperpendicular with the top and bottom surfaces of the table. The secondconnection area is shaped to provide third and fourth static supportingforces against the associated medical appliance in third and fourthdirections substantially parallel to and perpendicular with the top andbottom surfaces. The first and third forces cooperate to support a loadmoment generated by the medical accessory held by the table edge. Thesecond and fourth forces cooperate to support the medical accessoryagainst gravity and in a vertical direction.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the non-planar firstconnection area includes a curved lip surface extending along the upperedge of the table top and at least one recess defined between a pair ofwall surfaces that converge at a bight region of the at least onerecess. The lip and recess are preferably formed as a continuoussmoothly curved surfaces disposed along the outer longitudinal edges ofthe table top.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the secondconnection area includes a substantially planar surface held at anoblique angle relative to the substantially planar top and bottomsurfaces. The planar surface of the second connection area forms anacute angle with the top surface of the table and forms an obtuse anglewith the bottom surface of the table. In that way, the second connectionarea generates a static counter-force against the associated medicalappliance connector in a downward direction relative to the table top sothat a downwardly directed lip formed on the connector is forced intotight engagement with the at least one recess defined by the firstconnection area.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, asegmented medical appliance connector is provided for attaching a widerange of surgical accessories directly to the table top at selectedpositions along the interface profile. The connector includes movableupper and lower jaws that are adapted to clamp onto the interfaceprofile.

In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the invention, aunitary appliance connector is provided for attaching surgicalaccessories to the table top. The unitary connector includes a resilientengagement area that is adapted to be press-fitted onto the interfaceprofile of the table top. The unitary connector has no moving parts andtherefore is easy to use and can be sterilized conveniently.

In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the invention, aclamping apparatus for securing an associated accessory to an outer edgeof an associated patient support member is disclosed. The outer edge ofthe patient support member has a top recess and an essentially planarand non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom andterminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of thepatient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jawmember which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to essentiallyconformably engage a section of the top recess of the patient supportmember. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formedto surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge of thepatient support member. A means is provided for joining the upper andlower jaw members.

In one aspect of the clamping apparatus, the means for joining comprisesa direct connection between the upper and lower jaw members whereby theupper jaw member, the lower jaw member, and the direct connection form asingle unitary piece made from a resilient material. Preferably, theclamping apparatus further includes a spring which is at least partiallyembedded in the upper jaw member and essentially conforms with the liparea whereby an associated accessory may be supported in a flexiblemanner by the clamping apparatus. The spring may optionally extendoutside the unitary piece in an upward direction to provide a flexiblehook for attaching the associated accessory.

In another aspect of the clamping apparatus, the means for joiningcomprises a hinge region with a pivot axis about which the upper andlower jaw members may relatively pivot. The joining also includes ameans for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw memberswhereby the clamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outeredge of the patient support member.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a radiolucentsurgical table that presents a substantially uniform attenuationcharacteristic over the entire surface area of the table top in bothlateral and transverse table top directions with the table held flat ortilted relative to the x-ray source.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a table top thatincludes an accessory interface profile along the edge of the table topso that various surgical accessories, instruments, and the like can bequickly and easily attached to the radiolucent table as needed. Theaccessory interface edge profile presents a substantially uniform x-rayattenuation characteristic because it is formed without flat surfaces inalignment with the x-ray propagation direction. Essentially all of thesurfaces of the interface edge profile are curved, rounded, or flat anddisposed at oblique angles relative to the x-ray propagation direction.

It is another object of the invention to provide a radiolucent surgicaltable with a low shadow accessory interface profile that is convertiblefor use in a wide range of surgical and interventional procedures byproviding a set of intermateable table top portions that are selectivelyarranged and fastened together into various configurations as needed.Preferably, the table top portions are connected using simple pin typeattachment mechanisms.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide medical applianceconnectors that are adapted to cooperate with the interface profiledefined in the surgical table top to support various surgical devicesand instruments relative to the table.

These and other objects and benefits of the present invention will bedescribed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detailin this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art radiolucent surgicaltable taken along a line (not, shown) extending in a directiontransverse to the table;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art radiolucent surgicaltable taken along a line (not shown) extending in a direction transverseto the surgical table;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing the subject radiographic surgicaltable in accordance with a first preferred embodiment supported on amobile base;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on line 4—4 of FIG. 3and showing a segmented medical accessory attached thereto;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a sequence of steps for connecting a genericsegmented medical accessory connector onto the radiolucent table top;

FIGS. 6A-6C show a sequence of steps for connecting a unitary medicalappliance connector onto the subject radiolucent table top;

FIG. 7a is an isometric view showing a resilient lamp system in atable-controlled pendant support accessory according to a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7b is an isometric view of the resilient lamp system of FIG. 7afrom a different viewing angle;

FIG. 7c is a side view in partial phantom of the lamp system of FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8a is an isometric view showing a spring lamp system in an armboard accessory according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8b is an exploded isometric view of the spring clamp system of FIG.8a;

FIG. 8c is a cross-sectional view of the spring clamp system of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a is an isometric view showing the spring clamp system of FIG. 8ain a restraint strap accessory in accordance with a third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 9b is an exploded isometric view of the spring clamp system of FIG.9a;

FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of the spring clamp system of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a is an isometric view showing a dual jaw direct clamp system ina rail adaptor accessory in accordance with a fourth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10b is an exploded isometric view of the dual jaw direct clampsystem of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 10c is a cross-sectional view of the dual jaw direct clamp systemof FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11a is an isometric view showing a dual jaw indirect clamp systemin a Clark socket accessory in accordance with a fifth embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11b is an exploded isometric view of the dual jaw indirect clampsystem of FIG. 11a;

FIG. 11c is a cross-sectional view of the dual jaw indirect clamp systemof FIG. 11a;

FIG. 12a is an isometric view showing a dual jaw indirect clamp systemin a rail lock adaptor accessory in accordance with a sixth embodimentof the invention with the upper jaw member removed;

FIG. 12b is an exploded isometric view of the dual jaw indirect clampsystem of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 12c is a cross-sectional view of the dual jaw indirect clamp systemof FIGS. 12a and 12 b;

FIG. 13a is an isometric view showing a pair of pivot pin dual jawdirect clamp systems in a urological collector assembly in-accordancewith a seventh embodiment of the invention;,

FIG. 13b is an isometric view of the pivot pin clamp system of FIG. 13a;and

FIG. 13c is an exploded isometric view of the pivot pin clamp system ofFIG. 13b; and,

FIG. 13d is an isometric view showing an alternative pivot pin dual jawdirect clamp system in a urological collector assembly in accordancewith an eighth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and notfor purposes of limiting same, FIG. 3 illustrates a floor mountedsurgical table 40 with a radiolucent patient support member 60 andmedical appliance support interface 70 formed in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of the invention. The table 40 has a somewhatconventional base section including a base member 42 which is supportedby four legs 44, one leg 44 disposed at each corner of base member 42.The legs 44 may be of the retractable type which can be withdrawn intothe base member 42 to permit wheels (not shown) to contact floor 46 andenable hospital personnel to conveniently reposition the surgical table40 within a room. A vertical support and positioning column 50 issecured on a first lower end to the base member 42. The second or upperend of the column 50 supports the substantially planar radiolucentpatient support member 60 in selected positions relative to the basemember 42. The column 50 preferably includes control mechanisms andoperators well known in the art for tilting the control housing togetherwith the radiolucent patient support member 60 into various orientationsrelative to the base member 42 to facilitate performance of a widevariety of surgical, interventional, and imaging procedures. A basicraise and lower function is provided within the column 50 to enable thepatient support member 60 to be moved vertically relative to the basemember 42 as shown in FIG. 3 at arrow V. Additionally, a tilt functionis provided within the column to enable the patient support member 60 tobe pivoted relative to the base member 42. In that way, the supportmember 60 can be moved into Trendelenburg positions as shown in FIG. 3at arrow T and reverse-Trendelenburg positions as shown at arrow RT.

Still further, the upper end of the column 50 preferably includes a X-Ytranslation mechanism (not shown) for enabling sliding movement betweenthe radiolucent patient support member 60 and the column 50. A basicrail and bearing system of the type commonly used in industrialapplications is preferably used. Systems of this type are available toprovide smooth, accurate, and repeatable positioning between therespective members throughout the range of translation movement. In thepresent invention, longitudinal translation of the patient supportmember 60 in the direction L is provided relative to the column 50 overa range of travel of about twenty-four inches (24″). Transversetranslation of the patient support member 60 in the direction TRrelative to the column 50 is provided over a range of travel of abouttwelve inches (12″). Although x-y translation of the table 60 relativeto the column 50 is preferred, in an alternative embodiment, the tableis immovable relative to the column.

As shown in FIG. 3, the radiolucent, patient support member 60 of thefirst preferred embodiment is essentially formed as a monolithic singleslab construction including a major body and leg support section 62connected to the column 50 and a smaller headrest section 64 pivotallyattached with the body and leg support section. 62. Preferably, theheadrest section 64 is selectively lockable in positions throughout arange of pivotal motion relative to the main body section 62. Thisallows the patient's head to be supported in raised or lowered positionsas desired.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the longitudinal edges of theradiolucent patient support member 60 form a medical appliance supportinterface 70 for selective connection of associated appliances to thetable 40.

Preferably, the support interface 70 is formed to extend continuouslyaround each outer longitudinal edge of the support member 60 includingthe body and leg support section 62 and the headrest section 64 as shownbest in FIG. 3. A noted above, the support interface 70 adapts the outeredge of the surgical table 40 to selectively receive a wide variety ofassociated surgical accessory devices. Thus, by providing the supportinterface 70 along the outer edges, of the table top in a manner asshown in FIG. 3, the associated surgical appliances can be convenientlylocated anywhere along the sides of the surgical table 40 includingpositions on either side of a patient and adjacent the head of thepatient.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, and with additional reference toFIG. 4, the subject medical appliance support interface. 70 includes anon-planar first connection area 72 defined on the top surface 74 of theradiolucent patient support member 60. In addition, the supportinterface 70 includes a second connection area 76 that is defined on theouter edge of the radiolucent patient support member 60 in a manner asshown. A non-planar third connection area 78 is defined at the bottomouter edge of the patient support member 60. The first 72 and second 76connection areas support an associated medical appliance 54 relative tothe table against gravity and normal downward loading. The second 76 andthird 78 connection areas support the medical appliance relative to thetable against upward loading such as may be experienced when theappliance is a medical restraint or the like.

FIG. 4 shows, in cross section, the preferred shape of the subjectaccessory interface 70 and the manner in which the interface is used toselectively connect various associated medical appliances 54 to thepatient support member 60 through the use of novel clamp systems. Withparticular reference now to that figure, the non-planar first connectionarea 72 is shaped to provide a first support force F₁ against anassociated medical appliance 54 in a first direction substantiallyparallel to the top, and bottom surfaces 74, 80 of the patient supportmember 60. Further, the first connection area 72 is shaped to provide asecond supporting force F₂ against the associated medical appliance 54in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the top and bottomsurfaces 74, 80, respectively.

The second connection area 76 is defined generally on the edge of thepatient support member 60 as shown to provide a third supporting forceF₃ against the associated medical appliance 54 in a third directionsubstantially parallel to the top and bottom surfaces 74, 80 of thesupport member. The second connection area 76 is formed to also providea fourth supporting force F₄ against the associated medical appliance 54in a fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the top and bottomsurfaces 74, 80.

As can be seen from the figure, the first and second connection areas72, 76 cooperate to support the medical appliance relative to the tableagainst gravity and normal downward loading. The static forces F₁-F₄combine to provide the necessary resultant forces to support theassociated medical appliance. The third connection area 78 is necessaryonly when upward loading is expected to be encountered.

Preferably, and in accordance with the present invention, the firstconnection area 72 includes at least one recess 82 defined between apair of concave wall surfaces 84, 86 that converge at bight area 88 asshown. Essentially, the bight area 88 is formed in the valley betweenthe pair of opposed concave wall surfaces 84, 86. Preferably, the bightarea 88 is a continuous rounded surface formed between the opposedconcave wall surfaces 84, 86 as shown. This configuration enables x-raysignals to pass through the first connection area 72 of the supportinterface 70 along a transmission path substantially perpendicular tothe top and bottom surfaces 74, 80 without encountering surfacesparallel with the transmission path. Surfaces parallel with thetransmission path as well as surfaces that are close to parallel withthe transmission path absorb the x-ray signal to a larger degree thansurfaces which are oblique or perpendicular to the x-ray path.Accordingly, by forming the first connection area 72 without surfacesparallel or close to parallel with the x-ray transmission path, thefirst connection area 72 enables a substantially shadow-free image alongthe outer edge of the radiolucent patient support member 60.

It is to be appreciated that the bight area 88 could include a flatsurface between the opposed concave wall surfaces 84, 86 and parallelwith the top and bottom surfaces 74, 80 of the support member 60 withoutadversely affecting x-ray signal propagation through the firstconnection area 72. This enables an elongated first connection area ifdesired. In that case, the upward supporting force F₂ would be spreadout over a larger (wider as viewed in the figure) surface area.

The outer wall surface 86 is somewhat shorter than the inner wallsurface 84 relative to the top surface 74 of the radiolucent patientsupport member 60 so that various medical accessories can be attached tothe support member without extending above the plane defined by the topsurface 74. In that way, the upper portion of the medical accessoryconnector essentially forms a planar extension of the table top surface74. Alternatively, the outer wall surface 86 can be formed to be thesame size as or larger than the inner wall surface 84 relative to thetop surface 74 of the patient support member 60. In those equivalentstructures, the upper portion of the associated medical accessoryconnector would extend above the plane defined by the top surface 74when the connector is disposed in the clamped-on position relative tothe support interface 70.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the outer wall surface 84 extendsoutwardly relative to the center of the patient support member to form adownwardly curved lip area 90 as shown. Preferably, in accordance withthe present invention, the curved lip area 90 as well as the recess 82are substantially circular in cross section and are curved to define afirst radius r. The curved lip area as well as the recess are preferablyformed without interruption or breaks along the entire outerlongitudinal edges of the radiolucent patient support member 60 as bestshown in FIG. 3.

As is apparent from the cross sectional view of the patient supportmember 60 shown in FIG. 4, the first connection area 72 provides aconvenient surface for hanging medical devices and other equipment onthe edge of the surgical table. In order to provide precise mechanicallocating of the associated medical devices relative to the table top,the second connection area 76 is formed to define a substantially planarlocating surface 100 that is preferably disposed at an angle oblique tothe top and bottom surfaces 74, 80 of the support member 60. Preferably,the locating surface 100 forms an angle of approximately 50 degreesrelative to the top surface 74. In this configuration, the locatingsurface 100 provides an undercut in the patient support member 60 thatis advantageously used to multiply the load moment generated by theassociated medical accessory into a clamping force between the recessand curved lip area 82, 90 and a downwardly directed portion of aconnector assembly fashioned to engage the recess and curved lip area.

In that regard and with attention now directed to the left portion ofthe cross sectional view shown in FIG. 4, a segmented medical accessoryconnector 110 is illustrated in tight mechanical engagement with themedical appliance support interface 70. As shown, the segmentedconnector 110 includes movable upper and lower jaw members 112, 114 thatare carried on a main body portion 116 of the accessory connector.Preferably, in accordance with the present invention, the jaw members112, 114 are pivotally connected to the main body portion 116 at a pivotjoint 118. In that way, the jaws can be opened so that the accessoryconnector can be selectively attached onto the medical appliance supportinterface 70.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the preferred manner in which the segmentedmedical accessory connector 110 is attached to the medical appliancesupport interface 70. Turning now to those figures, the medicalaccessory connector 110 is first brought in general relative alignmentwith the medical appliance support interface 70 as shown best in FIG.5A. It is to be noted that preferably, the movable upper jaw member 112includes a substantially planar top surface 120 that forms, in theconnected position, an extension to the radiolucent patient supportmember 60 substantially within the plane of the top surface 74 thereof.Further, the movable upper jaw member 112 includes a downwardlyprojecting lip 122 and a curved concave surface 124 that defines apocket 126 adapted to receive the curved lip area 90 of the supportinterface 70. Lastly, the movable upper jaw member 112 includes asubstantially planar upper engagement surface 128 that is coextensivewith a lower engagement surface 130 defined by the lower jaw member 114when the accessory connector 110 is disposed in a closed orientation asshown in FIG. 5A.

Turning now to FIG. 5B, the subject segmented medical accessoryconnector 110 is shown in its opened position whereat the upper andlower jaw members 112, 114 are rotated relative to the pivot connection118 into the positions shown for ready attachment onto the medicalappliance support interface 70. The upper jaw member 112 is pivotedupwardly to an extent to enable the downwardly projecting lip 122 topass freely over the curved lip area 90 of the support interface 70. Ina similar fashion, the lower movable jaw member 114 is pivoteddownwardly to an extent to enable a hook region 132 of the lower jawmember to pass freely over a flared edge 134 of the third connectionarea 78 of the radiolucent patient support member 60. Preferably, inaccordance with the present invention, the movable upper and lower jawmembers are biased into the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5C and are brought into the opened orientation for ready attachment ontothe support interface when the jaws are simultaneously held open bymechanical means such as by manual manipulation.

FIG. 5C illustrates the segmented medical accessory connector 110 in itsoperative closed position and clamped onto the patient support member 60via the appliance support interface in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown, the movable upper jaw member 112 is securely seatedagainst the first and second connection areas 72, 76. The movable lowerjaw member 114 is similarly securely seated against the second and thirdconnection areas 76, 78. In that regard, the downwardly projecting lip122 of the upper jaw member 112 is held in place within the recess 82 ofthe support interface 70 through engagement with the concave wallsurfaces 84, 86. Further, the pocket 126 formed on the underside of theupper jaw member 112 is securely held in place through mechanicalengagement with the curved outer surface of the lip area 90 formed onthe outer edge of the patient support member 60. The upper and lowerengagement surfaces 128, 130 are brought into planar engagement with thelocating surface 100 formed as an undercut on the patient support member60. In that way, a downward force F₅ generated by the associated medicalappliance 54 attached to the accessory 110 generates a torque momentcentered about the curved lip area 90. The force of the torque moment isconverted by the planar interface between the locating surface 100 andthe upper and lower engagement areas 128, 130 into a downward force thatis utilized to ensure snug engagement between the downwardly projectinglip 122 and pocket 126 of the upper jaw member 112 against the lip areaand recess 90, 80 of the support interface.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the subject medical appliance support interface70 used in conjunction with a substantially unitary medical accessoryconnector 140 that can provide both upward and downward forces againstthe interface. As shown first in FIG. 6A, the connector 140 isillustrated in operative position adjacent the support interface whereata substantially planar top surface 142 of the accessory connector isbrought into relative alignment with the top surface 74 of the supportmember 60. Preferably, the top surface 142 is formed by the upperportion of an outer C-shaped frame member 144 that is adapted to carry aresilient deformable holding element 146 as shown. Preferably, asillustrated, the holding element 146 has an outer surface 150 that isshaped as the mirror image of the outer surface of the medical appliancesupport interface 70. In that way, the unitary medical accessoryconnector 140 can be brought into intermated connection with the supportinterface 70 by simply pushing the accessory connector 140 onto theinterface 70 against the force of the resilient deformable holdingelement 146 and into the position illustrated in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6B illustrates the unitary medical accessory connector 140 midwaybetween fully detached and attached positions. As illustrated, adownwardly projecting lip member 152 is compressed by the lip area 90 ofthe support interface 70. Similarly, the lower hook region 154 of thedeformable holding element 146 is compressed by the lower flared edge134 of the support interface 70. The unitary medical accessory connector140 is brought into the final connected position illustrated in FIG. 6Cby moving the connector relative to the patient support member 60 in thedirection marked P in FIG. 6B. The unitary connector is snap-fitted intoplace simply by using a force adequate to overcome the friction andcompressive force on the resilient deformable holding element 146.Preferably, the holding element 146 is formed of any suitable resilientelastomeric material such as a stiff rubber material or the like.

Similar to the above discussion in connection with the segmented medicalaccessory connector 110, the unitary connector 140 illustrated in FIGS.6A-6C includes a lower hook region 154 that is adapted to surroundinglyengage the flared edge 134 of the third connection area 78 disposed atthe lower outer edge of the support member 60. The engagement betweenthe hook region and the flared edge helps prevent detachment of theunitary medical accessory connector 140 from the support interface 70when the medical appliance 54 attached thereto is subjected to an upwardoriented disrupting force F₆. FIGS. 7a, 7 b, and 7 c illustrate aresilient clamp system 200 in a table control pendant support accessory202 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated there, the resilient clamp system 200 includes a generallyC-shaped resilient rubber member 204 defining an upper lip area 206 anda lower catch area or hook 208. Preferably, the C-shaped rubber member204 is formed from any suitable sterilizable resilient material such as,for example, rubberized polymers.

A generally S-shaped spring clip 210 includes a first portion 212embedded within the rubber member 204 and a second portion 214 extendingtherefrom in an upward direction substantially as shown. It is to beappreciated that the shape of the first portion 212 of the spring clip210 generally conforms to the contours of the upper lip area 206 of therubber member 204. In that way, substantial loads can be supported bythe accessory 202. The second portion 214 of the spring clip 210,however, extends outwardly and upwardly from the central portion of therubber member 204. In that way, the second portion 214 of the springclip adapts the resilient clamp system 200 for connection with a widerange of devices such as, for example, an associated table controlpendant 216 as shown. It is to be appreciated that the second portion214 of the spring clip 210 can take on any size, shape, or configurationso that the resilient clamp system 200 can be used in combination with awide range of surgical table accessories.

In the embodiment illustrated, the resilient nature of the spring clip210 permits the associated table control pendant 216 to move slightlyrelative to the associated radiographic surgical table as needed. Thisis useful to prevent damage to the table control pendant such as may becaused during inadvertent bumping or other contact with the pendant. Thespring clip 210 provides a mechanical cushion between the controlpendant and the table. In the past, control pendant support accessorieswere generally rigid in construction. Table control pendants were oftenshattered or cracked as a result of incidental or unintended contact.

In addition to the above, it is to be appreciated that the lower catcharea 208 of the rubber member 204 is substantially more resilient (lessstiff) than the upper lip area 206 owing to the arrangement of the firstportion 212 of the spring clip 210 within the rubber member. This enableeasy attachment of the resilient clamp system 200 onto the accessoryinterface of the associated radiographic surgical table. The upper liparea 206 is first positioned in place followed by a simple downwardrotation of the rubber member through an arc 218 until the resilientclamp system 210 pops over the lower lip area of the table and intoplace on the table interface edge.

FIGS. 8a, 8 b and 8 c illustrate a spring clamp system 230 in an armboard accessory 232 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment ofthe invention. Turning now to those figures, the spring clamp system 230includes an upper jaw member 234 which has a downwardly projecting lip235 formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess orconnection area 72 of the patient support member 60. Upper jaw member234 is pivotally attached to a lower jaw member 236 which has a lowercatch area or hook 237 formed to surroundingly engage a section of theflared lower edge 134 of the patient support member 60. Preferably, ahinge region 238 is formed at the connection interface between the upperand lower jaw members. In the embodiment illustrated, the upper jawmember 234 includes a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart hingeears 240. The hinge ears are provided with threaded holes 242 toselectively receive a pair of opposed shoulder screws 244. The shoulderscrews extend through suitable openings provided on a second pair ofhinge ears 246 arranged on the lower jaw member 236 opposite from theupper hinge area 240. A central boss 248 extends upwardly from the lowerjaw member 236 into the gap 250 formed between the hinge ears 240 on theupper jaw member 234. A first pocket 252 having a generally rectangularcross section is formed in the central boss 248 as shown best in FIG.8c. A second pocket 254 is formed in the upper jaw member 234 in the gap250 between the upper hinge ears 240. Preferably, the first and secondpockets are identically formed and located in a face-to-facerelationship to receive a leaf spring member 256 in the area defined bythe pockets. The leaf spring member can be formed of any suitablematerial such as, for example, spring steel and is provided to bias theupper and lower jaw members 234, 236 in a closed position onto theaccessory interface of the associated surgical table.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8a, 8 b, and 8 c, it is to beappreciated that the upper jaw member 234 includes an outwardlyextending generally planar shelf member 260 which is adapted torotatably receive an associated armboard support platform 262. Thearmboard support platform 262 together with the shelf member 260 andspring clamp system 230 collectively form the armboard accessory 232 inaccordance with the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

To facilitate removal of the spring clamp 230, a boss 264 is preferablymolded into lower jaw member 236 whereby a manual force opposing andovercoming the clamping force generated by leaf spring member 256 may beapplied to disengage lower jaw member 236 from third connection area 78of the radiolucent patient support member 60. Absent the manual force,the spring clamp 230 holds the accessory 232 on the associated tableagainst both upward and downward forces.

A third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9a, 9 band 9 c. Turning now to those Figures, the spring clamp system 230described above in connection with FIGS. 8a-c is provided in a restraintstrap accessory 272. The working portions of the upper and lower jawmembers 234′, 236 are formed and operate in a manner substantiallyidentical to the spring clamp system 230 described above in connectionwith the armboard accessory 232. However, in the restraint strapaccessory, the upper jaw member 234′ defines a curved recess area 274formed between a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending connectionears 276. Each connection ear is provided with an attachment opening 278which are mutually aligned to receive a connection pin 280. Preferably,the connection pin 280 is press-fitted into the attachment openings 278and thereby extends between the connection ears 276 across the recessarea 274. The connection pin 280 provides a suitable attachment pointfor the loop portion 282 of an associated restraint strap 284.

Typical use of the restraint strap accessory 272 includes a pair ofspring clamp systems 230′ clamped onto sides of patient support member60 with a restraining strap starting at the first spring clamp system230′, passing across patient support member 60 and preferably alsoacross a portion of an associated patient (not shown) thereby providingrestraint, and terminating at a second spring clamp system 230′ on theother side of the table. Under this arrangement, any force exerted onthe strap accessory 272 by patient movement will be directed essentiallyupward in a direction indicated in FIG. 9c as RS.

FIGS. 10a, 10 b and 10 c illustrate a dual jaw direct clamp system 300for attachment of a rail adaptor accessory 302 in accordance with afourth preferred embodiment of the invention. The dual jaw direct clampsystem 300 includes an upper jaw member 304 which has a downwardlyprojecting lip 305 formed to conformably engage a section of the toprecess or connection area 72 of the patient support member 60. Upper jawmember 304 is pivotally attached to a lower jaw member 306 which has alower catch area or hook 307 formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge 134 of the patient support member 60. Preferably,a hinge region 308 is formed at the connection interface between theupper and lower jaw members.

In the embodiment illustrated, the upper jaw member 304 includes a pairof spaced apart hinge ears 310. The hinge ears are provided with holes312 to receive a dowel pin 314. Dowel pin 314 extends through suitableopenings provided on a second pair of hinge ears 316 arranged on thelower jaw member 306 opposite from the upper hinge area 310. A centralhinge ear 318 extends from the upper jaw member 304 into the gap 320formed between the hinge ears 316 on the lower jaw member 306.

Central hinge ear 318 differs from hinge ears 310 at least in that itincludes a threaded hole 320. A threaded stud 322 is received by a knob324 and the threaded hole, 320 of third hinge ear 318. Rotation ofthreaded stud 322, obtained by manual rotation of knob 324, drives stud322 inwardly whereby push button 326 is compressed against bosses 328which extend essentially downward from hinge ears 316 of lower jawmember 306. The force of push button 326 against bosses 328 directs thelower jaw 306 about the pivot dowel pin 314 toward upper jaw 304 wherebya clamping action of the dual jaw direct clamping apparatus 300 to aportion of the outer edge of the patient support member 60 iseffectuated.

Preferably, a large washer 330 is inserted over stud 322 between pushbutton 326 and bosses 328, and small washer 332 is inserted over stud322 between-push button 326 and knob 324. The washers provide improvedmechanical action during clamp tightening. Large washer 330 ispreferably a plastic washer, whereas small washer 332 is preferably ametal washer. It will be particularly noticed that the describedmechanical action distributes the compressive force across an extendedarea of bosses 328. Stud 322 preferably has a hole 334 into which aretaining pin 336 is inserted to prevent stud 322 from being rotatedfully out of the assembly.

So as to act as a rail mounting, upper jaw member 304 additionally hasthreaded holes 340 that receive screws 342. Screws 342 compressivelyhold rail standoffs 344 and rail 302 rigidly against upper jaw member304 so that rigid mounting of rail 302 to patient support member 60 iseffectuated by dual jaw direct clamp system 300. Of course, it is to beappreciated that at least two such clamps will usually be required toadequately support a rail of significant length, especially if the railis in turn supporting additional items, as will usually be the case.

FIGS. 11a, 11 b and 11 c illustrate a dual jaw indirect clamp system 400for attachment of a Clark socket accessory 401 and an associated post402 to the surgical table described above in accordance with a fifthpreferred embodiment of the invention. Associated post 402 is typicallyvertically oriented for holding an intravenous fluid source or the like.However, the overall Clark socket accessory permits the associated postto be positioned at essentially any non-vertically oriented angle.

The dual jaw indirect clamp system 400 includes an upper jaw member 404which has a downwardly projecting lip 405 formed to conformably engage asection of the top recess or connection area 72 of the patient supportmember 60. Upper jaw member 404 is pivotally attached to a lower jawmember 406 which has a lower catch area or hook 407 formed tosurroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge 134 of thepatient support member 60. Preferably, a hinge region 408 is formed atthe connection interface between the upper and lower jaw members. In theembodiment illustrated, the upper jaw member 404 includes a pair ofspaced apart hinge ears 410. The hinge ears are provided with holes 412to receive a dowel pin 414. Dowel pin 414 extends through suitableopenings provided on a second pair of hinge ears 416 arranged on thelower jaw member 406 opposite from the upper hinge area 410.

The clamping mechanism is a modified Clark socket including a gear plate420, inner sleeve pin or insert 422, inner sleeve 424, outer sleeve 426,locking key 428, back washer 430, and threaded knob 432 with spring pin434. The assembly is constructed by inserting inner sleeve pin 422 intothe post hole opening 462 of inner sleeve 424 so that thenarrow-diameter end 442 of inner sleeve pin 422 protrudes from secondend 444 of inner sleeve 424. Inner sleeve pin 422 then passes throughgear plate 420 and into the opening 446 defined by upper jaw member 404and lower jaw member 406. An opening 448 in the narrow end 442 of innersleeve pin 422 receives dowel pin 414 therethrough. Outer sleeve 426receives inner sleeve 424 with locking key 428 therebetween, and a toothring 450 of outer sleeve 426 mates with a tooth ring 452 of gear plate420. Back washer 430 threads onto outer threads 454 of inner sleeve 424to loosely retain outer sleeve 426 thereon, whereby an assembly isformed which is connected to dowel pin 414 through inner sleeve pin 422.A spring 421 is captured between the back washer 430 and the outersleeve 426 as shown. The spring biases the back washer 430 and outersleeve into separation causing the jaws to be held in a normally closedor clamped relative position. The spring base is overcome by simplemanual opening of the jaws. The threaded stub 458 of knob 432 is theninserted into the assembly and threaded through the inner threads ofinner sleeve 424 until an end 460 protrudes into post hole 462 of innersleeve 424. Spring pin 464 is then inserted into stub 458 to looselyretain the stub 458 in the assembly, whereby construction of dual jawindirect clamp system 400 is completed.

In operation, an associated post 402 is inserted to extend completelythrough post hole 462 of inner sleeve 424 and post hole 466 which, ascan be seen, are essentially coincident. Prior to post insertion, stub458 must be withdrawn sufficiently using knob 432 to prevent stub tip468 from blocking post 402. Spring pin 464 prevents the stub from beingthreaded completely out of inner threads 456 of inner sleeve 424 duringthe withdrawing. After post insertion, lip 405 of upper jaw member 404is placed loosely on the top recess or connection area 72 of the patientsupport member 60, and hook 407 of lower jaw member 406 is positionedapproximately to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge134 of the patient support member 60. In this loosened position, toothring 450 of outer sleeve 426 may be disengaged from tooth-ring 452 ofgear plate 420, and the post may be rotated about axis 470 to obtain thedesired post angle.

When the post is rotated to the desired position, knob 432 is thenturned to tighten, whereby inner sleeve 424 is drawn toward knob 432.The drawing of inner sleeve 424 also draws connected inner sleeve pin422 toward knob 432 whereby a force directed toward knob 432 is appliedto dowel pin 414. Simultaneously, the turning of knob 432 acts to presstip 468 of stub 458 against associated post 402 which in turn pressesagainst the “V”-shaped surfaces 472 of post hole 466 of outer sleeve426. The force applied through associated post 402 presses outer sleeve426 against gear plate 420 whereby tooth ring 450 of outer sleeve 426re-engages with tooth ring 452 of gear plate 420, and gear plate 420 ispressed against upper jaw-member 404 and lower jaw member 406 atcontacting bosses 474 of gear plate 420. The combination of the force onthe dowel pin 414 with the force exerted by the contacting bosses 474actuates the clamping action as upper jaw member 404 and lower jawmember 406 are drawn together about dowel pin 414. Removal of the dualjaw indirect clamp system 400 is effectuated simply by rotating knob 432in the reverse direction whereby the above tightening points areloosened.

An advantage of clamp system 400 is that the tightening force isdistributed across contacting bosses 474 of gear plate 420 and thecorresponding contact surfaces of upper jaw member 404 and lower jawmember 406, as well as along the length of dowel pin 414. This largeforce distribution provides increased mechanical reliability andresistance to damage from overtightening and the like.

FIGS. 12a, 12 b and 12 c illustrate a second dual jaw indirect clampsystem 500 for attachment of a rail lock accessory 501 in accordancewith a sixth, preferred embodiment of the invention. This clamp systemis suitable for securing an associated flat-bar 502. Dual jaw indirectclamp system 500 includes an upper jaw member 504 which has a downwardlyprojecting lip 505 formed to conformably engage a section of the toprecess or connection area 72 of the patient support member 60. Upper jawmember 504 is pivotally attached to a lower jaw member 506 which has alower catch area or hook 507 formed to engage a section of the flaredlower edge 134 of the patient support member 60. Upper jaw member 504and lower jaw member 506 are pivotally attached in the following manner.Upper jaw member 504 includes a hinge ear 510 which has a threaded hole512 passing therethrough. Lower jaw member 506 has two hinge ears 514with unthreaded holes 516 passing therethrough. Two bolts 518 withthreaded ends 520 form the pivot about which the hinge rotates. Eachbolt inserts completely through the threaded hole 516 of a hinge ear 514of lower jaw member 506 and thread partway into threaded hole 512 ofhinge ear 510 of upper jaw member 504, so that lower jaw member 506 maypivot freely about the pivot formed by bolts 518 and threadedly securedinto upper jaw member 504. Lower jaw member 506 has a threaded hole 522which receives a threaded stud 524 which is in turn threadedly securedinto a knob 526. Preferably, the securing of stud 524 to knob 526 issupplemented by an adhesive, thermal treatment, or the like. Afterinsertion into threaded hole 522, a retaining pin 528 is inserted intohole 530 of stud 524 to prevent its inadvertent withdrawal.

Dual jaw indirect clamp system 500 operates as follows. Lip 505 of upperjaw member 504 is placed loosely on the top recess or connection area 72of the patient support member 60. Hook 507 of lower jaw member 506 ispositioned approximately to engage a section of the flared lower edge134 of the patient support member 60. The associated flat-bar accessory502 is inserted into a recess 532 defined by surfaces 534 of upper jawand into an opening 536 in lower jaw member 506. Prior to tightening theclamp, flat-bar accessory 502 fits loosely and is slidably adjustable inthe vertical direction, while the essentially conformable fit of theflat-bar 502 into recess 532 and opening 536 retains flat-bar 502 in anessentially vertical orientation. After the vertical position of theflat-bar is adjusted appropriately for the application, knob 526 isrotated to drive stud 524 against flat-bar 502 which in turn pushesagainst recess 532 of upper jaw member 504, whereby the clamping actionis actuated as upper jaw member 504 and lower jaw member 506 are drawntogether about pivot bolts 518. Removal of the dual jaw indirect clampsystem 500 is effectuated simply by rotating knob 526 in the reversedirection whereby stud 524 is withdrawn and flat-bar 502 may be slidablyremoved from dual jaw indirect clamp system 500.

FIGS. 13a, 13 b and 13 c illustrate a pair of pivot pin dual jaw directclamp systems 600 for attachment of a urological collector accessory 602to the table in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of theinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, the urological collectoraccessory 602 includes a ring member 604 with ends 606 having holes 608and an associated collection container (not shown) supported by ringmember 604. In the preferred embodiment, ring member 604 is supported atboth ends 606 by two clamp systems 600 as described next.

Clamp system 600 includes an upper jaw member 610 which has a downwardlyprojecting lip 612 formed to conformably engage a section of the toprecess or connection area 72 of the patient support member 60. Upper jawmember 610 is pivotally attached to a lower jaw member 614 which has alower catch area or hook 616 formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge 134 of the patient support member 60. Upper jawmember 610 and lower jaw member 614 are pivotally attached in thefollowing manner. Upper jaw member 610 includes a hinge ear 618 whichhas a hole 620 passing therethrough. Lower jaw member 614 has two largehinge ears 622 each having a first hole 624 passing therethrough, andeach having a second hole 626 also passing therethrough. A first springpin 628 passes through first holes 624 of the lower jaw member 614 andthrough hole 620 of hinge ear 618 of upper jaw member 610, whereby thepivotal attachment of upper jaw member 610 with lower jaw member 614 isobtained. A slider block 630 is positioned essentially between largehinge ears 622 of lower jaw member 614. Slider block 630 has a slottedhole 632 therein, and a second spring pin 634 passes through hole 632 aswell as through second holes 626 of large hinge ears 622 of lower jawmember 614 whereby slider block 630 is pivotally attached to lower jawmember 614. Slider block 630 also has a threaded hole 636 passingtherethrough and oriented perpendicularly to hole 632, which threadedlyreceives a threaded stud 638. Threaded stud 638 has a knob 640 attachedto one end and has a post 642 parallel to stud 638 extending from theother end. As threaded stud 638 is threadedly engaged with threaded hole636, post 642 passes through holes 644 and 646 in hemisphericalextensions 648 and 650 extending from upper jaw member 610 and integralthereto. A star washer 643 is provided for connection onto the proximalend of the post 642 extending through the hole 646 in the upperextension 650. The star washer prevents the unintended removal of thepost 642 from the lower jaw such as may be caused by loosening the knob640 extremely. Snap rings or the like could be used for this purpose aswell.

Clamp system 600 operates as follows. Lip 612 of upper jaw member 610 isplaced loosely on the top recess or connection area 72 of the patientsupport member 60. Hook 616 of lower jaw member 614 is positionedapproximately to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge134 of the patient support member 60. End 606 of associated urologicalcollection assembly ring member 604 is inserted between hemisphericalextensions 648 and 650 of upper jaw member 610. Hole 608 in end 606 ofthe associated ring member 604 is aligned with holes 644 and 646 of thehemispherical extensions 648, 650 and stud 638 with connected postextension 642 is inserted and threadedly attached using knob 640,whereupon post 642 passes through holes 644, 608, and 646 so that end606 is pivotally attached to upper jaw member 610 about a pivotcorresponding to post 642. As stud 638 threadedly progresses into hole636 of slider block 630, stud end surface 652 presses againsthemispherical extension 648 of the upper jaw member 610 whereby sliderblock 630 and hemispherical extension 648 are forced apart. This forcingapart effectuates the clamping action as upper jaw member 610 and lowerjaw member 614 are urged together about pivot spring pin 628.

These operations are repeated using a second clamp system 600 at theother end 606 of ring member 604 to secure the ring member 604 topatient support member 60 at both ends. It is to be appreciated that end606 is pivotally mounted, which allows pivotal flexibility about axis654 which is parallel to hole 608 in end 606. This pivotal flexibilityprovides improved robustness by reducing the potential for dislodging ordamaging urological collector assembly 602 by bumping and the likeduring routine surgical procedures.

FIG. 13d illustrates a pivoting dual draw direct clamp system 600′ forattachment of a urological collector accessory 602 to the table inaccordance with an eight preferred embodiment of the invention. Theclamp system 600′ is essentially identical to the clamp system describedabove in connection with FIGS. 13a-13 c with the exception of theclamping knob 640 and stud 638. A pin member 642′ extends between theupper and lower hemispherical extensions 650′, 648. A cam member 670 isattached to a lever arm 672 and is pivotable about the second spring pin634′. Rotation of the clamping arm 672 in the direction marked ON urgesthe cam 670 into rotation about the pivot pin 634′. A high lobe 674 onthe cam 670 urges the lower hemispherical member 648′ away from thelower jaw member 614′ to cause the clamping action described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cam and lever are directly connectionfor pivotal motion. Alternatively, in order to compensate for sizevariations in the associated surgical table edge interface profile, thecam can be spring mounted relative to the lower jaw member 614′.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
 1. A clampingapparatus for securing an associated accessory to an outer edge of anassociated patient support member, the outer edge having a top recessand a substantially planar side surface slanting inwardly from a topsurface of the associated patient support table to a bottom surface ofthe associated patient support table and terminating in a flared loweredge extending beyond the bottom surface of the patient support member,the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jaw member having adownwardly projecting lip formed to essentially conformably engage asection of the top recess of the patient support member; a lower jawmember having a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge of the patient support member; and, a connectionarea joining the upper and lower jaw member including a directconnection between the upper and lower jaw members whereby the upper jawmember, the lower jaw member, and the direct connection form a singleunitary piece made from a resilient material.
 2. A clamping apparatusfor securing an associated accessory to an outer edge of an associatedpatient support member, the outer edge having a top recess and anessentially planar side surface slanting inwardly from a top surface ofthe associated patient support table to a bottom surface of theassociated patient support table and terminating in a flared lower edgeextending beyond the bottom surface of the patient support member, theclamping apparatus comprising: an upper jaw member having a downwardlyprojecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recessof the patient support member; a lower jaw member having a hook regionformed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge of thepatient support member; a connection area joining the upper and lowerjaw members, the connection including a direct connection between theupper and lower jaw members whereby the upper jaw member, the lower jawmember, and the direct connection form a single unitary piece made froma resilient material; and, a spring at least partially embedded in theupper jaw member whereby an associated accessory may be supported in aflexible manner by the clamping apparatus.
 3. The clamping apparatus asset forth in claim 2, wherein: the spring extends outside the unitarypiece in an upward direction to provide a flexible hook for attachingthe associated accessory.
 4. A clamping apparatus for securing anassociated accessory to an outer edge of an associated patient supportmember, the outer edge having a top recess and an essentially planarside surface slanting inwardly from a top surface of the associatedpatient support table to a bottom surface of the associated patientsupport table and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyondthe bottom surface of the patient support member, the clamping apparatuscomprising: an upper jaw member having a downwardly projecting lipformed to conformably engage a section of the top recess of the patientsupport member; a lower jaw member having a hook region formed tosurroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge of the patientsupport member; and, a connection area joining the upper and lower jawmembers including a hinge region with a pivot axis about which the upperand lower jaw members selectively relatively pivot and, a means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby theclamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of thepatient support member.
 5. The clamping apparatus as set forth in claim4, wherein the means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jawmembers comprises: a Clark socket assembly adapted to simultaneouslylock an associated post accessory to the associate patient supportmember.
 6. A clamping apparatus for securing an associated accessory toan outer edge of an associated patient support member, the outer edgehaving a top recess and an essentially planar side surface slantinginwardly from a top surface of the associated patient support table to abottom surface of the associated patient support table and terminatingin a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom surface of thepatient support member, the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jawmember having a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage asection of the top recess of the patient support member; a lower jawmember having a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge of the patient support member; and, a connectionarea joining the upper and lower jaw members, the connection areaincluding: a hinge region with a pivot axis about which the upper andlower jaw members selectively relatively pivot; and, means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby theclamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of thepatient support member, the means for effectuating closure including acentral boss extending upwardly from the lower jaw member and having apocket therein; and, a leaf spring member partially disposed in thecentral boss pocket and extending into a second pocket formed in theupper jaw member, whereby the closure is effectuated by a biasing springforce provided by the leaf spring member.
 7. The clamping apparatus asset forth in claim 6, wherein the lower jaw member further comprises: aboss extending from the lower jaw member and oriented such that a manualforce applied to the boss counteracts said biasing spring force wherebythe clamping apparatus is selectively manually removable from theassociated patient support member outer edge.
 8. The clamping apparatusas set forth in claim 6, wherein the upper jaw member further comprises:an outwardly extending generally planar shelf member adapted to receivean associated armboard support platform accessory.
 9. The clampingapparatus according to claim 6 further comprising: a generally planarshelf member extending from the upper jaw member; and, a surgicalarmboard support platform.
 10. The clamping apparatus according to claim9 in combination with said patient support member.
 11. The clampingapparatus according to claim 10 further comprising: a plurality of railstandoffs; and, a plurality of features passing through holes in asurgical table rail member, through the rail standoffs, and into holesprovided in the upper, jaw member.
 12. The clamping apparatus accordingto claim 11 in combination with said patient support member.
 13. Theclamping apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein the upper jaw memberfurther comprises: a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending connectionears, each ear having an attachment opening; a curved surface whichtogether with the connection ears defines a curved recess; and, aconnection pin extending between the ear attachment openings, theconnection pin being adapted to hold a loop portion of an associatedrestraint strap.
 14. The clamping apparatus according to claim 6 furthercomprising: a pair of spaced apart connection ears extending from theupper jaw member, each ear defining an attachment opening; a connectionpin extending between the ear attachment openings; and, a restraintstrap having a loop portion on an end, the loop surrounding theconnection pin whereby the restraint strap is connected to the upperjaw.
 15. The clamping apparatus according to claim 14 in combinationwith said patient support member.
 16. A clamping apparatus for securingan associated accessory to an outer edge of an associated patientsupport member, the outer edge having a top recess and an essentiallyplanar side surface slanting inwardly from a top surface of theassociated patient support table to a bottom surface of the associatedpatient support table and terminating in a flared lower edge extendingbeyond the bottom surface of the patient support member, the clampingapparatus comprising: an upper jaw member having a downwardly projectinglip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess of thepatient support member; a lower jaw member having a hook region formedto surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge of thepatient support member; and, a connection area joining the upper andlower jaw members, the connection area including a hinge region with apivot axis about which the upper and lower jaw members selectivelyrelatively pivot, the hinge region further including: a dowel pincoincident with the pivot axis, a bottom hinge ear extending upwardlyfrom the lower jaw member and having a hole therein adapted to receivethe dowel pin, and, a top hinge ear extending downwardly from the upperjaw member and having a first hole therein adapted to receive the dowelpin, and further having a threaded hole therein which is perpendicularlyoriented relative to the first hole; and, a means for effectuatingclosure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby the clampingapparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of the patientsupport member, the means for effectuating closure of the upper andlower jaw members including: a push button, a knob, and a stud havingone end affixed to the knob and having the other end passing through thepush button and threaded into the threaded hole of the top hinge ear andselectively protruding therethrough whereby rotating the knob urges thestand into abutment against the push button which in turn abuts againstthe lower jaw member to cause relative motion between the upper andlower jaw members to thereby effectuate the closure.
 17. The clampingapparatus as set forth in claim 16, further including: a retaining pininserted into a hole in the stud end protruding through the threadedhole of the top hinge ear whereby complete withdrawal of the stud fromthe threaded hole is prevented.
 18. The clamping-apparatus as set forthin claim 16, further comprising: a washer inserted over the stud betweenthe push button and the threaded hole of the top hinge ear.
 19. Theclamping apparatus as set forth in claim 16, further comprising: awasher inserted over the stud between the push button and the knob. 20.The clamping apparatus as set forth in claim 16, further comprising: aplurality of rail standoffs; and, a plurality of fasteners passingthrough holes in an associated rail accessory and thence through therail standoffs and fastening into receiving points of the upper jawmember, whereby the rail accessory is rigidly connected to the upper jawmember.
 21. A clamping apparatus for securing an associated accessory toan outer edge of an associated patient support member, the outer edgehaving a top recess and an essentially planar side surface slantinginwardly from a top surface of the associated patient support table to abottom surface of the associated patient support table and terminatingin a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom surface of thepatient support member, the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jawmember having a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage asection of the top recess of the patient support member; a lower jawmember having a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge of the patient support member; a connection areajoining the upper and lower jaw members, the connection area including ahinge region with a pivot axis about which the upper and lower jawmembers selectively relatively pivot; and, means for effectuatingclosure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby the clampingapparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of the patientsupport member, the means for effectuating including: a Clark socketassembly adapted to simultaneously lock an associated post accessory tothe associate patient support member, the Clark socket assemblyincluding a gear plate having contacting bosses which contact the upperand lower jaw members over an extended area, and the hinge regionincluding a dowel pin about which the hinge pivots.
 22. The clampingapparatus according to claim 21 in combination with said patient supportmember.
 23. A clamping apparatus for securing an associated accessory toan outer edge of an associated patient support member, the outer edgehaving a top recess and an essentially planar side surface slantinginwardly from a top surface of the associated patient support table to abottom surface of the associated patient support table and terminatingin a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom surface of thepatient support member, the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jawmember having a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage asection of the top recess of the patient support member; a lower jawmember having a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section ofthe flared lower edge of the patient support member; and, a connectionarea joining the upper and lower jaw members, the connection areaincluding a hinge region with a pivot axis about which the upper andlower jaw members selectively relatively pivot, and means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby theclamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of thepatient support member, the means for effectuating closure of the upperand lower jaw members including: a knob; and, a stud, a first end of thestud being affixed to the knob and the second end being threaded into athreaded hole of the lower jaw member and protruding therethrough,whereby rotating the knob urges the stud into abutment with anassociated flat bar accessory essentially conformably fitted within arecess of the upper jaw member and an opening in the lower jaw member tobe pressed against the recess of the upper jaw member whereby theclosure is effectuated.
 24. The clamping apparatus as set forth in claim23, further including: a retaining pin inserted into a hole provided inthe first end of the stud protruding through the threaded hole of thelower jaw member, the retaining pin preventing complete withdrawal ofthe stud from the threaded hole.
 25. The clamping apparatus according toclaim 23 in combination with said patient support member.
 26. A clampingapparatus for securing an associated accessory to an outer edge of anassociated patient support member, the outer edge having a top recessand an essentially planar side surface slanting inwardly from a topsurface of the associated patient support table to a bottom surface ofthe associated patient support table and terminating in a flared loweredge extending beyond the bottom surface of the patient support member,the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jaw member having adownwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of thetop recess of the patient support member; a lower jaw member having ahook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared loweredge of the patient support member; and, a connection area joining theupper and lower jaw members and a hinge region with a pivot axis aboutwhich the upper and lower jaw members selectively relatively pivot, thehinge region further including: a first spring pin coincident with thepivot axis; a second spring pin; a slider block having a first hole forreceiving the second spring pin, and having a threaded hole essentiallyperpendicularly oriented relative to the first hole; a top hinge earextending essentially downwardly from the upper jaw member and having ahole therein adapted to receive the first spring pin; a pair of spacedapart extended bottom hinge ears extending essentially outwardly fromthe lower jaw member, each extended bottom hinge ear having a first holeadapted to receive the first spring pin whereby the upper and lower jawsare pivotally attached, and each extended bottom hinge ear having asecond hole adapted to receive the second spring pin whereby the sliderblock is pivotally attached to the lower jaw member and pivotally heldwithin the gap between the two spaced apart extended bottom hinge ears;and, means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw memberswhereby the clamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outeredge of the patient support member, the means for effectuating closureof the upper and lower jaw members including: a first extension of theupper jaw member extending over the pair of spaced apart extended bottomhinge ears and the slider block, the first extension having a holetherein that is substantially coaxially aligned with the threaded holein the slider block, a second extension of the upper jaw member disposedabove and substantially parallel relative to the first extension of theupper jaw member, the second extension having a hole therein that issubstantially coaxially aligned with the hole in the first extension ofthe upper jaw member; a knob; and, a stud, one end of which is rigidlyaffixed to the knob while the second end of which has a post extendingtherefrom essentially parallel to the stud axis, the stud being threadedinto the threaded hole of the slider block, the post passing through thecoaxial holes of the first and second extensions of the upper jawmember, whereby the closure is effectuated by transmission of the forceof the second stud end against the first extension of the upper jawmember to the slider block and thence to the lower jaw member.
 27. Theclamping apparatus as set forth in claim 26, wherein: the post extendingfrom the second stud end passes through a hole in an end of a ringmember of an associated urological collector assembly accessory wherebythe ring member end is pivotally mounted between the first and secondextensions of the upper jaw member.
 28. The clamping apparatus accordingto claim 26 further comprising: a urological collector assembly having aring member provided with a hole on an end thereof, the post extendingfrom the second stud end passing through said hole to pivotally fastenthe urological collector to the clamping apparatus.
 29. The clampingapparatus according to claim 28 in combination with the patient supportmember.
 30. A clamping apparatus for use in securing an accessory to anouter edge of a patient support member, the outer edge having top andbottom surfaces and a substantially planar side surface slantinginwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface, the clampingapparatus comprising: an upper jaw member shaped to conform with aportion of the top surface of the associated patient support member; alower jaw member shaped to conform with a portion of the lower surfaceof the associated patient support member; and, a connection area joiningthe upper and lower jaw members, the connection area including a directconnection between the upper and lower jaw members whereby the upper jawmember, the lower jaw member, and the direct connection form a singleunitary piece made from a resilient material.
 31. A clamping apparatusfor use in securing an accessory to an outer edge of a patient supportmember, the outer edge having top and bottom surfaces and asubstantially planar side surface slanting inwardly from the top surfaceto the bottom surface, the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jawmember shaped to conform with a portion of the top surface of theassociated patient support member; a lower jaw member shaped to conformwith a portion of the lower surface of the associated patient supportmember; and, a connection area joining the upper and lower jaw members,the connection area including: a hinge region with a pivot axis aboutwhich the upper and lower jaw members selectively relatively pivot; and,a means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw memberswhereby the clamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outeredge of the associated patient support member.
 32. The clampingapparatus according to claim 31, wherein the means for effectuatingclosure of the upper and lower jaw members includes: a Clark socketassembly adapted to simultaneously lock an associated post accessory tothe associate patient support member.
 33. A clamping for use in securingan accessory to an outer edge of a patient support member, the outeredge having top and bottom surfaces and a substantially planar sidesurface slanting inwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface,the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jaw member shaped to conformwith a portion of the top surface of the associated patient supportmember; a lower jaw member shaped to conform with a portion of the lowersurface of the associated patient support member; and, a connection areajoining the upper and lower jaw members, and including a hinge regionwith a pivot axis about which the upper and lower jaw membersselectively relatively pivot and means for effectuating closure of theupper and lower jaw members whereby the clamping apparatus firmly clampsto a portion of the outer edge of the associated patient support member,the means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw membersincluding: a central boss extending upwardly from the lower jaw memberand having a pocket therein; and, a leaf spring member partiallydisposed in the central boss pocket and extending into a second pocketformed in the upper jaw member, whereby the closure is effectuated by abiasing spring force provided by the leaf spring member.
 34. A clampingapparatus for use in securing an accessory to an outer edge of a patientsupport member, the outer edge having top and bottom surfaces and asubstantially planar side surface slanting inwardly from the top surfaceto the bottom surface, the clamping apparatus comprising: an upper jawmember shaped to conform with a portion of the top surface of theassociated patient support member; a lower jaw member shaped to conformwith a portion of the lower surface of the associated patient supportmember; a connection area joining the upper and lower jaw members, theconnection area including a hinge region with a pivot axis about whichthe upper and lower jaw members selectively relatively pivot, the hingeregion further including: a dowel pin coincident with the pivot axis,two bottom hinge ears extending essentially upward from the lower jawmember and having holes therein adapted to receive the dowel pin, and, atop hinge ear extending essentially downward from the upper jaw memberand having a first hole therein adapted to receive the dowel pin, andfurther having a threaded hole therein which is essentiallyperpendicularly oriented relative to the first hole; and, means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members whereby theclamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outer edge of theassociated patient support member, the means for effectuating closure ofthe upper and lower jaw members including: a push button, a knob, and astud having one end affixed to the knob and having the other end passingthrough the push button and threaded into the threaded hole of the tophinge ear and selectively protruding therethrough whereby rotating theknob urges the stand into abutment against the push button which in turnabuts against the lower jaw member to cause relative motion between theupper and lower jaw members to thereby effectuate the closure.
 35. Aclamping apparatus for use in securing an accessory to an outer edge ofa patient support member, the outer edge having top and bottom surfacesand a substantially planar side surface slanting inwardly from the topsurface to the bottom surface, the clamping apparatus comprising: anupper jaw member shaped to conform with a portion of the top surface ofthe associated patient support member; a lower jaw member shaped toconform with a portion of the lower surface of the associated patientsupport member; and, a connection area joining the upper and lower jawmembers, the connection area including a hinge region with a pivot axisabout which the upper and lower jaw members selectively relativelypivot, and means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jawmembers whereby the clamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of theouter edge of the associated patient support member, the means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members including: aknob; and, a stud, a first end of the stud being affixed to the knob andthe second end being threaded into a threaded hole of the lower jawmember and protruding therethrough in the general direction of the upperjaw member, whereby rotating the knob urges the stud into abutment withan associated flat bar accessory essentially conformably fitted within arecess of the upper jaw member and an opening in the lower jaw member tobe pressed against the recess of the upper jaw member whereby theclosure is effectuated.
 36. A clamping apparatus for use in securing anaccessory to an outer edge of a patient support member, the outer, edgehaving top and bottom surfaces and a substantially planar side surfaceslanting inwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface, theclamping apparatus comprising: an upper jaw member shaped to conformwith a portion of the top surface of the associated patient supportmember; a lower jaw member shaped to conform with a portion of the lowersurface of the associated patient support member; and, a connection areajoining the upper and lower jaw members, the connection area including ahinge region with a pivot axis about which the upper and lower jawmembers selectively relatively pivot, the hinge region further,including: a first spring pin coincident with the pivot axis; a secondspring pin; a slider block having a first hole for receiving the secondspring pin, and having a threaded hole essentially perpendicularlyoriented relative to the first hole; a top hinge ear extendingessentially downwardly from the upper jaw member and having a holetherein adapted to receive the first spring pin; a pair of spaced apartextended bottom hinge ears extending essentially outwardly from thelower jaw member, each extended bottom hinge ear having a first holeadapted to receive the first spring pin whereby the upper and lower jawsare pivotally attached, and each extended bottom hinge ear having asecond hole adapted to receive the second spring pin whereby the sliderblock is pivotally attached to the lower jaw member and pivotally heldwithin the gap between the two spaced apart extended bottom hinge ears;and, means for effectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw memberswhereby the clamping apparatus firmly clamps to a portion of the outeredge of the associated patient support member, the means foreffectuating closure of the upper and lower jaw members including: afirst extension of the upper jaw member extending over the pair ofspaced apart extended bottom hinge ears and the slider block, the firstextension having a hole therein that is substantially coaxially alignedwith the threaded hole in the slider block, a second extension of theupper jaw member disposed above and substantially parallel relative tothe first extension of the upper jaw member, the second extension havinga hole therein that is substantially coaxially aligned with the hole inthe first extension of the upper jaw member, a knob; and, a stud, oneend of which is rigidly affixed to the knob while the second end ofwhich has a post extending therefrom essentially parallel to the studaxis, the stud being threaded into the threaded hole of the sliderblock, the post passing through the coaxial holes of the first andsecond extensions of the upper jaw member, whereby the closure iseffectuated by transmission of the force of the second stud end againstthe first extension of the upper jaw member to the slider block andthence to the lower jaw member.